By examining only one page of the famous papyrus codex P.
Beatty I (P45), namely the recto side of the Vienna
Fragment P. Vindob. G 31974, we show that manuscripts possess a relevance
that goes beyond the mere reconstruction of the most probable original text of
the New Testament when they are considered as unique fingerprints of their age
and of the people who produced them. Through precise observations on the
fragment itself, in particular of its writing and of the way the page is
arranged, we attempt to draw cautious conclusions of a socio-cultural nature to
bring into view the people behind P. Vindob. G 31974 by reflecting on its
function and purpose, in this way also demonstrating that it is indispensable to
consult an original manuscript.